Paying for a Transplant
It is part of Seattle Children’s mission to provide financial assistance to children who are residents of our region and who need a transplant. Financial assistance is based on family need and hospital resources.
Learn more about financial assistance and counseling.
Who will help us with financial planning?
Seattle Children’s has financial counselors and social workers who will help you plan for the costs of a transplant.
They will help you with application processes for Medicaid or Seattle Children’s financial assistance.
What if we don’t live in Washington, Alaska, Montana or Idaho?
Financial assistance may also be available for residents of Oregon and Hawaii. Talk with a financial counselor to learn more.
What are the costs of a transplant?
- Pre-transplant evaluation and testing
- Hospital stay
- Surgery
- Follow-up care and testing
- Anti-rejection and other drugs
- Fees for surgeons, doctors, radiologists and anesthesiologists
- Fees for the recovery of the organ from the donor
- Physical therapy
- Food, lodging and transportation
- Child care for your other children
- Lost wages if your employer does not pay for the time you or a family member spends away from work
- Air travel, if necessary, to get to Seattle Children’s quickly
What do I need to know about my child’s insurance coverage?
Tell us about all forms of insurance that cover your child, even if you do not think they will help pay for a transplant.
Understand your insurance coverage for transplants.
- Some insurance companies may contract with another insurance company that specializes in transplants. Seattle Children’s is in-network for most major insurance plans as well as most specialized transplant plans. Learn more about which plans include Seattle Children’s.
- Seattle Children’s will contact your insurance companies to learn more about your benefits and to authorize the transplant. If we are concerned that your insurance may not pay for the transplant, we will contact you. We also encourage you to contact your insurance company to learn more about your benefits.
Besides insurance, what other options are there?
Charitable organizations
Charitable organizations are a possible source of financial support. It is unlikely that one organization can cover all of the costs for a patient. But some organizations provide limited aid through grants or direct funding. Our transplant support staff will help you explore aid opportunities from charitable organizations.
Personal fundraising campaigns
Many families choose public fundraising as a way to help cover some of their transplant expenses. Our transplant financial coordinators can help you understand the financial laws and legal guidelines you must follow. Learn how the Children’s Organ Transplant Association can help with fundraising.